The Interview - YouthJobs.ca! Helping youth choose a career, find a job, or start a business!

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Congratulations! The hard work and effort you put into your resume and cover letter paid off... you have an interview! This is the chance every job hunter looks forward to, an opportunity to prove that they are the right person for the job.

Now is not the time to cut corners and just "wing it"! By learning about the interview process and planning for the interview you will greatly increase your chance of success.

Planning

This part of the process prepares you for the interview. Knowing what to expect will allow you to be more comfortable and focus on your answers.

Research the company and the job.
Find out as much as you can about the company and the position you are applying for. It will help you to answer and ask questions plus it shows you are motivated.

Practice answering common interview questions
Having rehearsed your answers to some common questions will make you more comfortable. Avoid giving a Yes / No answer and be careful not to sound like you are reading a script.

Here are some commonly asked interview questions:

Tell me about yourself.
What do you know about our company (or the job)?
Why are you interested in working here?
Have you ever done this type of work before?
What are your strengths (or weaknesses)?
How did you do (are you doing) in school?
Why did you leave your last job?
When can you start?
What hours can you work?
Can you work overtime?
Do you have any long-range goals?
What are some of your other interests?
How much are you expecting to be paid?
Do you have references?
Do you have any questions?

Think about some questions you could ask.
You don't need to ask any questions but sometimes it can further demonstrate your interest in the job. Specific questions about the job will come to you during the interview but here are some general examples:

How many people work here?
What are some of the challenges of this job?
Do you see any major changes in the near future?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
How will my performance be evaluated?
Will I receive any special training that I need?

The Interview

First it is important to understand that there are different types of interviews. Which one the employer uses depends on the nature of the job and their company's preference. Knowing a bit about each type will help you.

The Traditional Interview
This is the type of interview where you will be asked questions like those shown in the Planning section. It may be 'Structured' with a list of specific questions or 'Non-Structured' where the questions are general and the atmosphere more relaxed.

Behaviour Based Interview
The interviewer will ask you to gave an example of a situation that you may have dealt with in the past. "Describe a time when"... "Tell me about"... "Give me an example of"... are all openings you will hear in this type of interview. Always listen carefully to the question, think about an answer, be specific, and ask for clarification if necessary. Here are a few common behavioral questions to think about:

Tell me about a time when you provided excellent customer service.
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult problem. What was it and how did you handle it?
Give me an example of a time when you made a positive contribution to a team or group.
Can you give me an example of how you handled a tight deadline in the past?

Telephone Interview
This is an affordable way for companies to screen large numbers of applicants or reduce the amount of time conducting interviews. Have your resume close by, paper to keep notes, and any questions you may have written down. If you are nervous try standing and moving around with the phone. It will help you to calm down and will project your voice better.

Panel or Group Interviews
These types of interviews can be challenging because you may be asked a lot of different questions. Try to remember names and keep make eye contact with group members.

Stress Interview
Not as common as other interview techniques. It is used in situations where the employer wants to find out how an individual will react to unexpected or 'stressful' circumstances. Be prepared for tough questions and maybe even periods of silence. Staying cool and composed is the secret to this interview style.

Second Interviews
When you receive a second interview it usually means that the selection of candidates has been narrowed down and that you are still in the race. For technical or highly skilled jobs you will probably have to demonstrate your skills. Never try to bluff. If you don't know something... say so!

Also download and print a copy of the Employability Workbook which offers helpful information on Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews!

ACSBE Employability Workbook (pdf 125KB)